Fun With Kids: Racing-themed playground, Moomin exhibition, S’pore Oceanarium guided sessions
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Take your kids to a racing-themed playground, a Moomin's 80th anniversary event and a guided session to learn about manta rays.
PHOTOS: MARINA SQUARE, SINGAPORE OCEANARIUM, THE QUANG DO
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SINGAPORE – Make family time all the more special with these ideas and activities.
Racing-themed inflatable playground
Marina Square’s atrium has transformed into a race-themed inflatable playground.
PHOTO: MARINA SQUARE
Before the world’s fastest cars and most talented racers descend on the Marina Bay Street Circuit for the Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix in October, the thrill of race season begins indoors at the nearby Marina Square.
The mall has partnered indoor playground Kiztopia to transform its atrium into Jumptopia Lite: Turbo Tots Playground. This sprawling racing-themed inflatable play zone opens from 10.30am to 8.30pm daily until Sept 16.
You can join your kids in conquering a bouncy obstacle course featuring tunnels and climbing zones or racing down a high, two-lane slide to discover the champion. The playground is adorned with familiar Kiztopia characters Tiger, Bell the bear and Mark the monkey.
A 30-minute play session costs $6 for a child aged two to 12 and an accompanying adult when purchased through the Marina Square app. This price is valid for the first 400 tickets, after which the cost is $15. Participants must wear socks to enter and play. Find out more at str.sg/AnUE
Moomins turn 80
The Moomin 80: The Door Is Always Open exhibition is being held in Singapore from Sept 8 to 14 after its previous stop in Hanoi in July.
PHOTO: THE QUANG DO
The beloved Moomins – a family of white trolls with large snouts – are celebrating their 80th anniversary with a free exhibition at United Square from Sept 8 to 14.
These characters, created by the late Finnish writer-artist Tove Jansson between 1945 and 1977, are a recognised symbol of Finnish culture.
The Singapore leg of the exhibition, titled Moomin 80: The Door Is Always Open, is organised by the Embassy of Finland Singapore. The showcase was held in Hanoi in July.
“The Moomins are more than just characters – they embody values of kindness, inclusivity and imagination that resonate across cultures,” says Mr Juha Markkanen, Ambassador of Finland to Singapore. “Moomins’ message, ‘The door is always open’, ties in with Finland’s message of cooperation with the world and highlights the fact that Finland is a stable, welcoming society – much like Moominvalley, home of the Moomins.”
Held at the mall’s basement 1 atrium, the exhibition will feature daily book readings at 11.30am and animation screenings at 11.50am. On the launch day, Mr Markkanen will engage kids with storytelling from the Moominpappa And The Great Flood book.
Families can also enjoy Moomin-themed activities such as colouring and stand a chance to win Moomin plush toys in a giveaway.
Die-cast collectible cars showcase
Explore a special showcase of die-cast collectible cars, presented as an extension of the museum’s existing vintage toy collections.
PHOTO: MINT MUSEUM OF TOYS
The Mint Museum of Toys is also celebrating Singapore’s race season with a special display of die-cast collectible cars until Oct 5.
Its annual Pop-Up In The Museum event, which showcases collaborative exhibitions, features a selection of the rare and vintage models from Korei’s private collection. Korei is a prominent local die-cast collector community.
Die-cast toys have a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century, with iconic brands like Corgi, whose origins can be traced to the Corgi Toys line introduced by Mettoy in 1956.
Among the museum’s permanent collection is a rare die-cast and plastic Woody Woodpecker toy by Corgi from the 1970s.
At the interactive play zone, your kids can race toy cars on a multi-track play area, while you can shop for the latest models and limited-edition sets from HotWheels.
Admission to the pop-up event is $30 for adults and $20 for children aged seven to 12 and seniors aged 60 and above. Find out more at str.sg/xWoJ
Manta rays at Singapore Oceanarium
Join a guided session to learn about manta ray care and conservation.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE OCEANARIUM
Dive into the world of manta rays at the Singapore Oceanarium
Running three times daily until Sept 20, the sessions show how aquarists care for these vulnerable species, monitoring their health, diet and behaviour. You will also learn about the crucial ecological role of manta rays and how you can contribute to their protection.
As a bonus, each participant receives a free manta ray plush keychain and lanyard set.
Beyond manta rays, the Animal Spotlight series, which fosters a deeper connection with marine life and promotes ocean advocacy, also has thrice-daily sessions on sea jellies and corals.
Admission to the Singapore Oceanarium starts at $42 for adults and $35 for children aged four to 12 and seniors aged 60 and above. The guided session is an additional $28 a person. Go to singaporeoceanarium.com
